Snow Chains??

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I've seen a 2 wheel drive car with the left front tire and right rear tire chained up. Guess they didn't know if it was front wheel or rear wheel drive and were trying to split the difference. Could also be some new european asymmetrical way of chaining up #ad

 

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I have tried back, front and all fours when chaining up a 4x4. Of course chaining all 4 wheels is the best, but I don't even own enough chains of the correct size to do that on my truck now. Regarding chaining-up the front versus the back, in my opinion it depends on the conditions.

For deep fresh snow, unplowed roads, or cold road-packed snow your main concern is not getting stuck. Chains on the front will pull you through most anything, and your rear wheels will tend to follow in the tracks of the front wheels. Chain the fronts.

For black glare ice, freezing rain, and wet icy road pack your main concern is staying on the road and being able to stop. Chains on the rear will keep the back of the truck where it should be. Slow down before any corners, then pray and turn the wheel keeping a good "feel" of the wheel and straghten your turn if you feel the front tires starting to slide. Good radials with tread and siping should steer you fine if speed is OK. Chain the rears.

Just my opinion. Main thing to remember is that 4x4 trucks will slide off the road just as easily as any other vehicle, and they will make a bigger hole in the snow bank when they land. Take it easy and arrive alive.

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Just got my 2001 2500 QC, SB, 4x4, ETH 6-sp, 3. 54 LSD, SLT++ (everything but those lights on top of the roof), White over Silver, Tan leather. Picked it up 8/31/00.

 

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I found if you carry chains you will probably NEVER need to use them. #ad
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but if you don't have them, you will be punished! #ad


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Frank Dziurda - K7SFN
Carson City, Nevada
'99. 5 2500 4X4 6-Speed Quad Cab LWB 3. 54 LSD

 

[Archive]

I have conventional Laclede chains for all 4 but only put a set on the front to pull my trailer on a mountain dirt road in Colorado a couple years ago (6-8" ice/snow). I went about 10 miles in creeper [gps said 3. 5 mph; neither I nor my hunting partner wanted to go faster #ad
] The chains have the welded on crossbars on the links that go across the tread--a good idea especially in ice. I use the rubber band tensioners on the outside of the wheel.

 

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Here's a website address I've posted in the past, but I feel it's worth repeating: Steve's 4X4 Van Page. There is a very good page about chains, and also a great page listing what to carry with you in the boonies, info on first aid, etc. Check it out. The author of this page lives in Nova Scotia.
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Hey, here's a way to get around in the winter!
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[Archive]

Out in the working world we use chains for traction, trying to pull heavy loads etc.

If you have a 4x4 by all means chain up the front, If you have a 2x4 and you are using chains to steer... maybe you ought to go back home.

Do you all put studded snow tires up front on a 2x4 also???

(I haven't always lived in Lousyanna)

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'96 4x4, 2500 extended, 5-Stick, TST, big stereo, MP3 player, GPS, Kodiak Sidewinder steps.